Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Quantum sensing of electron beams using solid-state spins

Charles Roques‐Carmes, Jakob Grzesik, Dominic Catanzaro, Eric I. Rosenthal, G. L. van de Stolpe, Aviv Karnieli, Giovanni Scuri, Souvik Biswas, Kenneth J. Leedle, Dylan S. Black, Robert L. Byer, Ido E. Kaminer, R. J. England, Shanhui Fan, Olav Solgaard, Jelena Vuckovic A

Published Jan 1, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We use NV − centers in diamond to probe bunched free-electron beams, combining theory and experiments to quantify electron-spin coupling, reveal charge-state dynamics under exposure, and pave the way for hybrid free-electron–solid-state quantum technologies.
DOI
10.1364/cleo_si.2026.sth3k.2

Related papers

Study on electron spin control method for high-sensitivity diamond quantum sensor

Tomioka, Hiroyoshi, Yuji Hatano, T. Sekiguchi +6 more

Study on electron spin control method for high-sensitivity diamond quantum sensor

•Dec 8, 2021•0 citations

Quantum sensing of electron beams using solid-state spins

Jakob Grzesik, Dominic Catanzaro, Charles Roques‐Carmes +13 more

Scattering experiments with energetic particles, such as free electrons, have been historically used to reveal the quantum structure of matter. However, realizing coherent interactions between free-electron beams and solid-state quantum systems has remained out of reach, owing to their intrinsically weak coupling. Realizing such coherent control would open up opportunities for hybrid quantum platforms combining free electrons and solid-state qubits for coincident quantum information processing and nanoscale sensing. Here, we present a framework that employs negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV-) in diamond as quantum sensors of a bunched electron beam. We develop a Lindblad master equation description of the magnetic free-electron--qubit interactions and identify spin relaxometry as a sensitive probe of the interaction. Experimentally, we integrate a confocal fluorescence microscopy setup into a microwave-bunched electron beam line. We monitor charge-state dynamics and assess their impact on key sensing performance metrics (such as spin readout contrast), defining safe operating parameters for quantum sensing experiments. By performing $T_1$ relaxometry under controlled electron beam exposure, we establish an upper bound on the free-electron--spin coupling strength. Our results establish NV- centers as quantitative probes of free electrons, providing a metrological benchmark for free-electron--qubit coupling under realistic conditions, and chart a route toward solid-state quantum control with electron beams.

arXiv:2508.13112•Aug 18, 2025•0 citations

Toward quantum sensing of electron beams using solid-state spins

Jakob Grzesik, Dominic Catanzaro, Charles Roques‐Carmes +13 more

Scattering experiments with energetic particles, such as free electrons, have been historically used to reveal the quantum structure of matter. However, realizing coherent interactions between free-electron beams and solid-state quantum systems has remained out of reach, owing to their intrinsically weak coupling. Realizing such coherent control would open up opportunities for hybrid quantum platforms combining free electrons and solid-state qubits for coincident quantum information processing and nanoscale sensing. Here, we present a framework that employs negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV − ) in diamond as quantum sensors of a bunched electron beam. We develop a Lindblad master equation description of the magnetic free-electron–qubit interactions and identify spin relaxometry as a sensitive probe of the interaction. Experimentally, we integrate a confocal fluorescence microscopy setup into a microwave-bunched electron beam line. We monitor charge-state dynamics and assess their impact on key sensing performance metrics (such as spin readout contrast), defining safe operating parameters for quantum sensing experiments. By performing T 1 relaxometry under controlled electron beam exposure, we do not resolve a measurable reduction in T 1 within experimental uncertainty, and instead establish an upper bound on the free-electron–spin coupling strength. Our results establish NV − centers as quantitative probes of free electrons, providing a metrological benchmark for free-electron–qubit coupling under realistic conditions, and chart a route toward solid-state quantum control with electron beams.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences•Jun 12, 2026•0 citations

Study on electron spin control method for high-sensitivity diamond quantum sensor

寛凱 富岡, Hiroyoshi Tomioka, 雄治 波多野 +9 more

•Dec 1, 2021•0 citations

Quantum Measurement and Control of Single Spins in Diamond

Gerard J Milburn

Changes in the state of a single spin at a defect in diamond, read out from optical measurements, could be used in quantum sensing and computing.

Science•Nov 25, 2010•14 citations

A review of the study of diamond NV color centers: fabrication, application and challenge

Yunyun Li, Han Li, Yi Tao +2 more

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond have emerged as a focal point in quantum technology research due to their exceptional optical and electronic spin properties. This discovery not only expands our understanding of the material properties of diamond but also paves the way for practical applications in quantum technology. As a solid-state spin quantum system characterized by long electron spin coherence times and stable performance, NV color centers offer distinct advantages in quantum information processing. Recent advancements have enabled the fabrication of high-quality NV color centers with controllable concentration and spatial positioning through techniques such as in situ doping, ion implantation, and hybrid approaches. These technological breakthroughs have significantly enhanced the efficiency of NV center fabrication, thereby establishing a robust foundation for their widespread application in quantum sensing and quantum information technologies. This review provides a compre­hensive introduction to the structure and fundamental properties of NV color centers in diamond, an in-depth analysis of recent progress in their fabrication techniques, and a critical discussion of their current applications in quantum science and technology. Additionally, the challenges, open questions, and future research directions in NV color center studies are addressed.

Functional Diamond•Oct 8, 2025•13 citations
Scattering experiments with energetic particles, such as free electrons, have been historically used to reveal the quantum structure of matter. However, realizing coherent interactions between free-electron beams and solid-state quantum systems has remained out of reach, owing to their intrinsically weak coupling. Realizing such coherent control would open up opportunities for hybrid quantum platforms combining free electrons and solid-state qubits for coincident quantum information processing and nanoscale sensing. Here, we present a framework that employs negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV-) in diamond as quantum sensors of a bunched electron beam. We develop a Lindblad master equation description of the magnetic free-electron--qubit interactions and identify spin relaxometry as a sensitive probe of the interaction. Experimentally, we integrate a confocal fluorescence microscopy setup into a microwave-bunched electron beam line. We monitor charge-state dynamics and assess their impact on key sensing performance metrics (such as spin readout contrast), defining safe operating parameters for quantum sensing experiments. By performing T1T_1T1​ relaxometry under controlled electron beam exposure, we establish an upper bound on the free-electron--spin coupling strength. Our results establish NV- centers as quantitative probes of free electrons, providing a metrological benchmark for free-electron--qubit coupling under realistic conditions, and chart a route toward solid-state quantum control with electron beams.
Scattering experiments with energetic particles, such as free electrons, have been historically used to reveal the quantum structure of matter. However, realizing coherent interactions between free-electron beams and solid-state quantum systems has remained out of reach, owing to their intrinsically weak coupling. Realizing such coherent control would open up opportunities for hybrid quantum platforms combining free electrons and solid-state qubits for coincident quantum information processing and nanoscale sensing. Here, we present a framework that employs negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers (NV − ) in diamond as quantum sensors of a bunched electron beam. We develop a Lindblad master equation description of the magnetic free-electron–qubit interactions and identify spin relaxometry as a sensitive probe of the interaction. Experimentally, we integrate a confocal fluorescence microscopy setup into a microwave-bunched electron beam line. We monitor charge-state dynamics and assess their impact on key sensing performance metrics (such as spin readout contrast), defining safe operating parameters for quantum sensing experiments. By performing T 1 relaxometry under controlled electron beam exposure, we do not resolve a measurable reduction in T 1 within experimental uncertainty, and instead establish an upper bound on the free-electron–spin coupling strength. Our results establish NV − centers as quantitative probes of free electrons, providing a metrological benchmark for free-electron–qubit coupling under realistic conditions, and chart a route toward solid-state quantum control with electron beams.
Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond have emerged as a focal point in quantum technology research due to their exceptional optical and electronic spin properties. This discovery not only expands our understanding of the material properties of diamond but also paves the way for practical applications in quantum technology. As a solid-state spin quantum system characterized by long electron spin coherence times and stable performance, NV color centers offer distinct advantages in quantum information processing. Recent advancements have enabled the fabrication of high-quality NV color centers with controllable concentration and spatial positioning through techniques such as in situ doping, ion implantation, and hybrid approaches. These technological breakthroughs have significantly enhanced the efficiency of NV center fabrication, thereby establishing a robust foundation for their widespread application in quantum sensing and quantum information technologies. This review provides a compre­hensive introduction to the structure and fundamental properties of NV color centers in diamond, an in-depth analysis of recent progress in their fabrication techniques, and a critical discussion of their current applications in quantum science and technology. Additionally, the challenges, open questions, and future research directions in NV color center studies are addressed.